Jul 20 2009
Shopping!
Before shopping for a gas grill, you should determine your budget and the type of grill you are looking for. A basic model will handle your barbecue needs adequately; however, frequent grillers may want to opt for something with more bells and whistles. Keep in mind that more accessories usually means a higher price tag. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of great options that will satisfy your needs and not break the bank. Consider the following:
Size:
When comparing models, be sure to look at the “primary” cooking space, which is the amount of space available on the main grilling surface. Some manufacturers include the warming rack space in a total cooking space measurement. Warming space, while nice for keeping buns or cooked foods off the main heating surface, can’t be used for cooking. On average, grills range from 300 to 600 square inches of primary cooking space. The smaller sizes are usually sufficient when cooking for two to four individuals; larger models will accommodate up to eight people or more.
Also look at the number of burners. If you are cooking for less than four people, a basic two-burner grill may suffice. If you like to entertain or typically cook for a larger group, you should consider a three- or four-burner grill, which provides more heat over a large cooking area. Adding a side burner will enable you to cook sauces, side dishes and other accompaniments at the same time.
Console/Cart:
A console cabinet is by no means a necessity when purchasing a gas grill. You will pay less for a basic frame or wheeled cart than you will for a cabinet-style housing so consider where you will be using the grill and whether you need storage space. You will also have a choice of casters or wheels. Casters typically provide greater maneuverability — in any direction; whereas wheels are typically mounted on only one side of the cart, offering increased stability on uneven surfaces. Whatever style you choose, be sure to look for a sturdy cart with more welded pieces and fewer screws. If you don’t plan to move the grill around, you may even want to consider skipping the cart altogether and mounting the grill permanently. This type of configuration is most often used with a natural gas line that provides a ready supply of fuel to the grill.
Controls:
The control knobs determine how much gas is allowed through the valve to the burner, thus providing a higher or lower flame. Depending on the number of burners, you may see one, two, three or more dial controls designed to regulate the temperature of the burners. Typically, one of the burner controls will act as the “start” setting, allowing you to light one burner and then activate the other burners as needed.
All gas grills have some type of starter or igniter. Some models offer an electric igniter, which sends a series of sparks to light the burner. Electric igniters require a battery to function. Others have a flint-type igniter (either pushbutton or rotary dial), which requires no batteries.
